Classic 8-Day Silk Road: Qinghai & Gansu's Wonders

Day 1: Arrival in Xining - Gateway to Qinghai

Upon arrival at Xining Airport or Railway Station, you will be greeted by our local guide and transferred to your comfortable hotel. Take this day to settle in and prepare for your Silk Road adventure.

Accommodations: 3-star hotel in Xining

Day 2: Xining to Chaka - Spiritual Sites and Qinghai's Jewel

Begin your journey with a visit to the revered Kumbum Monastery, one of Tibetan Buddhism's most important centers. Afterward, travel to the breathtaking Qinghai Lake, China's largest inland saltwater lake, and marvel at its vast expanse and surrounding scenery before arriving at your hotel in Chaka.

Accommodations: 3-star hotel in Chaka

Day 3: Chaka to Xining - Salt Lakes and Return to the Capital

Explore the surreal landscapes of Chaka Lake, known for its expansive salt flats that mirror the sky, creating stunning photographic opportunities. Later, embark on a scenic drive back to Xining, where you will check back into your hotel for the evening.

Accommodations: 3-star hotel in Xining

Day 4: Xining to Zhangye - Majestic Mountains and Ancient Caves

Embark on a journey towards Zhangye, traversing the majestic Qilian Mountain range with its picturesque vistas. En route, discover the fascinating Mati Temple, a remarkable complex of cave temples carved into colorful cliffs, before arriving at your hotel in Zhangye.

Accommodations: 3-star hotel in Zhangye

Day 5: Zhangye's Natural Wonders - Canyons and Rainbows

Discover the dramatic landscapes of the Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon with its unique rock formations and towering cliffs. In the afternoon, prepare to be mesmerized by the vibrant hues of the Zhangye Danxia Landform, famously known as the Rainbow Mountains, a true geological spectacle.

Accommodations: 3-star hotel in Zhangye

Day 6: Zhangye to Jiayuguan - Fortified History at the Great Wall's Edge

Travel towards Jiayuguan, a historically significant city along the Silk Road. Upon arrival, explore the imposing Jiayuguan Fort, the westernmost strategic pass of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, and learn about its crucial role in defending the empire. You will then continue to Dunhuang for your overnight stay.

Accommodations: 3-star hotel in Dunhuang

Day 7: Jiayuguan - Dunhuang - Artistic and Desert Treasures

Immerse yourself in the artistic wonders of the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its exquisite collection of Buddhist murals and sculptures. In the afternoon, experience the unique desert environment of the Echo Sand Dune and Crescent Lake, where you can enjoy a camel ride across the shifting sands.

Accommodations: 3-star hotel in Dunhuang

Day 8: Dunhuang Departure

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy any remaining free time before your transfer to Dunhuang Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey, marking the end of your Silk Road adventure.